PROSPECTUS
WELCOME
“ May our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, watch over us and protect us, and may he be the cornerstone of our lives, the foundation of all that we say, think or do. And may almighty God bless us, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Amen
The Academy Prayer
TO THE JOHN WALLIS CHURCH OF ENGLAND ACADEMY
At the heart of our Academy vision is a deeply rooted belief in the Christian promise of life in all its fullness.
We offer our pupils an absolute commitment to excellence based on high-quality teaching and a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom. As a Church of England Academy, we welcome those of all faiths and those with none.
As Principal, I see it as a privilege to work with such a dedicated staff team, such inspirational pupils and to serve this community. This is a happy, welcoming Academy and we pride ourselves on the relationships our staff have with our pupils, caring for them throughout their education from 0 to 19 years.
We also work closely with families to ensure that all our pupils are committed to learning and develop the character necessary to take advantage of all the opportunities we provide. Our collective ambition is exceptionally high. We will not make excuses for failing to deliver on our commitment to excellence.
Our commitment to our pupils’ wellbeing has been widely reported in the National Press; The Times, The Spectator, BBC Newsnight and ITV Tonight.
For the past 5 years we have seen over 90% of our pupils going into higher education, some have accepted a place at their first choice University, others have gone on to degree level apprenticeships or other exciting pathways.
Damian McBeath – Principal
OUR
VISION
Jesus wants all people to “have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
Together we ignite in everyone the knowledge, aspiration, and spirit to shape lives full of purpose and opportunity.
FOUNDATIONS THE ACADEMY
Our Foundations do not just reflect our ambitions, they articulate who we are and who we will always be.
What We Believe
Our Foundations articulate the beliefs that drive us and the principles that underpin all that we do. For example, our Foundation of “Living Our Christian Values” reflects our unwavering commitment to embodying the Values of Love, Integrity, Generosity, Hope, and Togetherness in every aspect of Academy life.
What We Do
The Foundations represent the practical steps we take to ensure our beliefs translate into meaningful actions. Foundations such as “Pursuing Excellence,” “Expanding Horizons,” “Promoting Connection and Community,” and “Building a Sustainable Future” demonstrate how we actively work to achieve our Vision of shaping lives full of purpose and opportunity.
Together, these Foundations ensure that our Academy is not only a place of aspiration but also a community of action, where our Vision and Values are lived out every day.
CHRISTIAN VISION OUR DISTINCTIVE
At the heart of our Academy vision is a deeply rooted belief in the Christian promise of life in all its fullness.
As Jesus declares in John 10:10
“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
This powerful verse inspires our purpose as a Church of England school: to educate not only the mind, but to nurture the heart and spirit of every child within a loving, inclusive community. The word “Together” echoes Jesus’ call to unity, where all belong and are protected as one flock.
“Ignite” speaks to our commitment to light a fire within each child, a passion for learning, a deep sense of purpose, and a spiritual spark grounded in love and hope. We are not content with helping children to survive; we want them to thrive, to experience the joy, meaning, and abundance of life that Jesus offers.
Our focus on knowledge, aspiration, and spirit flows directly from this Vision:
• “Knowledge” reflects the desire to truly know and understand, as Jesus knows his flock.
• “Aspiration” points to a hopeful future, lifting hearts and minds beyond limitation.
• “Spirit” acknowledges the breath of life within each person, reminding us of our role in shaping not just learners, but whole human beings called to lives of meaning and compassion.
This Vision is more than educational, it is theological. It is our calling to reflect the light and love of Christ in everything we do. Together, we ignite abundant life in every child.
“ Good stories move the heart, awakening idealism and ambition. They resonate with the truth - the truth about what it means to be human, about how we ought to treat one another, and how we ought to conduct our lives as individuals and citizens.”
CHRISTIAN
COLLECTIVE
WORSHIP
As a Church of England Academy, we are committed to offering high quality Collective Worship.
Collective Worship is central to fostering a sense of community and expressing our Academy’s Christian vision. It is an essential component of an education that enables all pupils to flourish and to ‘have life, and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10).
At The John Wallis Church of England Academy, Collective Worship is seen as more than a daily ‘awe and wonder’ moment. It is the unique heartbeat of the Academy and is offered as part of a wider opportunity for pupils and adults to encounter faith by engaging in conversations about God, both as individuals and together.
This takes place at the start of the day within our tutor time. Pupils have opportunity to pray and appreciate works of art, learn new words, debate and discuss relevant matters from the world around them.
We want pupils to leave the Academy with a rich experience and understanding of Christianity, and we are committed to offering them an encounter with Jesus Christ and with Christian faith and practice in a way that enhances their lives.
Collective Worship at The John Wallis Church of England Academy, includes prayer, parable, reading and reflecting on the Bible, liturgy and sacrament.
THREE SCHOOL MODEL
We are one Academy, made up of three Schools.
The smaller schools ensure that every pupil is known by all staff within their school. It offers a model which provides support and continuity across all of the key transitions.
The Academy is:
Lower School from Nursery - Year 4
Middle School from Year 5 - Year 9
Upper School from Year 10 - Year 13
“Excellence is a journey, not a destination and I am delighted to be on this journey with our Lower School pupils having lots of fun on the way!”
Mrs Kelly McBeath, Vice Principal and Head of Lower School and Director of Inclusion
SCHOOL LOWER
Within the Lower School we aim to instil a passion for learning.
Our youngest children bounce into the School with enthusiasm, curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. The Lower School is designed to ensure that our youngest pupils get off to an excellent start in life. We are committed to enabling all children to read early and develop
the confidence and characteristics that will help them overcome any challenges that come their way. Alongside reading, we focus on language and vocabulary development from an early age. Physical development and movement are vital skills the children will learn from the very beginning of their education.
The foundations for their ongoing learning in all areas are developed within the Lower School.
“The Middle School is the beating heart of the Academy; the work we do here builds on the excellent foundations of Lower School education and prepares our pupils for the challenges and rigour of Upper School learning and examinations. The Middle School prides itself on how our pupils love learning, develop a sense of responsibility and make excellent progress.”
Mr Steve Davies, Senior Vice Principal and Head of Middle School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Middle School
is
the heart of the Academy.
In the Middle School, pupils complete their primary education, including preparing for their end-of-Year 6 exams. Pupils then make the crucial transition to the secondary phase of their education, where they study a broad and balanced curriculum, focused on the core of English, maths and science, while also promoting a love of the arts, humanities, vocational education and PE. Our expectations and aspirations are exceptionally high of our pupils, and the Middle School seeks to embody the Academy LIGHT values in all that we say, think or do.
UPPER SCHOOL
In the Upper School, we ensure every pupil is prepared for a lifelong journey filled with happiness and accomplishment.
The Upper School is a critical phase for our pupils. They not only complete their GCSEs and A-Levels, but they develop the skills and habits that scaffold their future success. We foster a commitment to rigour, diligence, and life-long learning so that our pupils are set up for success at University and in their chosen career.
“The Upper School is about belief. It is about discovering your passion, your dream, and doing everything you can to chase it. It takes hard work, dedication, and it takes honing your character so that you leave
The John Wallis Academy with the skills, resilience and qualifications you need to be able to achieve anything. To be able to make a difference.”
Mr Thomas Harding, Vice Principal and Head of Upper School
Academic Excellence
Spiritual and Moral Development
Expanding Pupil Experiences
CURRICULUM THE ALL THROUGH
Aims and Rationale
The curriculum is designed to achieve our vision of excellence, ensuring that all children will graduate from our Academy with the qualifications, skills and confidence to achieve their ambitions and go on to higher education or their chosen career.
To achieve this, our curriculum has three key tenets: Academic Excellence, Spiritual and Moral Development, Expanding Pupil Experiences.
Academic Excellence
Impart:
Our curriculum gives pupils the knowledge of the world in which they live; experiences to make sense of it; and the confidence to make judgement on what they see.
Inspire a love of learning:
Our curriculum inspires young minds to keep learning, sharing a deep and meaningful foundation of knowledge that stimulates curiosity and inquisitiveness.
Guide:
We guide and show pupils how their knowledge can be creatively applied to help them lead more fulfilling lives and influence our changing world for the better.
CURRICULUM
Spiritual and Moral Development
Resilience:
As part of our curriculum we equip pupils with the skills that will give them the confidence and resilience to shape their own path through life.
Belonging:
We create future citizens who have the courage to engage with major global challenges such as the environment, community cohesion, and ethical decision-making.
Relationships:
As an Academy, we provide opportunities for children to develop relationships with self, others, and the world.
Expanding Pupil Experiences
We provide all pupils with a wide range of guaranteed experiences, expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world of opportunities around them.
“ Our curriculum exists within the lived experience of every child within our Academy.”
FACULTIES MODEL
Curriculum subjects are mapped across the entire curriculum from 0 – 19 Years and framed within 7 Faculty Areas.
English and the Modern Foreign Languages
English Literature
English Language
French
Handwriting
Library
Media
Phonics
Reading Plus
Maths and Computing
Computer
ICT
Numeracy
Sciences
Applied
Combined
Design
Food
Business and Enterprise
Business Studies
Careers
Child Development
Health and Social Care
Marketing
PSHE
Humanities
Criminology
TRANSITION TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
Transitioning to secondary school can be a significant change for many pupils, regardless of their previous primary school experience.
At The John Wallis Church of England Academy, we have developed a comprehensive transition programme in partnership with local primary schools, ensuring a smooth and supportive journey for each pupil.
Key Elements of Our Transition Programme:
Our transition process is designed to prioritize the needs of the pupils, helping them feel confident and prepared for secondary school life.
Early Planning and Support
The transition process begins as early as May to ensure that each pupil receives the necessary support:
• SENCO and Deputy Head of Middle School Meetings: Our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and Deputy Head meet with Year 6 teachers to discuss any specific support requirements for incoming pupils.
• Direct Pupil Engagement: We engage directly with Year 6 pupils to answer their questions and address any concerns about the move to secondary school.
Transition Days
During the final term, all incoming Year 7 pupils participate in two Transition Days to help them get acquainted with the Academy:
• Meeting Key Staff: Pupils meet essential staff members, including their Head of Year, SENCO, and subject teachers.
• Familiarising with the Academy: These days are designed to allow pupils to explore the layout of the Academy, reducing any anxiety about navigating the new environment.
Tailored Support for Specific Groups
We offer additional, focused support for pupils who may need extra help transitioning:
• Small Primary Schools: Special sessions are provided for pupils coming from smaller primary schools with only one or two peers, helping them build connections with others.
• Additional Support: For those identified as needing further assistance during our primary visits, extra support sessions are arranged to ensure they feel prepared and confident.
Year 7 “Meet the Tutor” Evening
At the end of Term 1, we host a “Meet the Tutor” evening:
• Parent Engagement: This provides parents the opportunity to meet their child’s tutor, fostering strong home-school connections from the start.
• Progress Review: It’s also a chance for parents to discuss how their child has settled in during their first term.
Proven Success
Our well-structured transition programme has proven to be highly effective in supporting both pupils and their families through this important change. By focusing on early preparation, personal engagement, and tailored support, we ensure every pupil feels welcomed, supported, and ready to thrive at The John Wallis Church of England Academy.
WELLBEING TUTOR AND
Dedicated Tutor System
Each student is assigned a dedicated tutor who plays a crucial role in their daily Academy life. Our tutor system ensures that every student is known, supported, and guided throughout their Academy journey.
Morning Worship
The day begins with a morning check-in with their tutor, ensuring pupils are fully prepared and ready to learn. This includes a quick check that pupils have what they need for a successful day of learning: correct uniform, Yondr pouch, and basic stationery. The remainder of the time is focused on a daily act of collective worship in tutor groups, which provides space for a calm and reflective start to the day.
Afternoon Tutor Time
In the afternoon, pupils reconvene with their tutor to reflect on the day and participate in enriching activities. A key focus during this time is on Collective Worship, The Big Debate and Reading. These sessions allow pupils to:
• Engage in Collective Worship: Promoting spiritual and moral reflection, open to pupils of all faiths and backgrounds.
• The Big Debate: Weekly discussions on important moral and societal issues, encouraging critical thinking, empathy, and respectful debate.
• Reading Focus: We dedicate time to fostering a love of reading, as literacy is key to every pupil's academic success.
At The John Wallis Church of England Academy, we are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive both academically and personally.
WELLBEING
Wellbeing Support
We understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing in ensuring pupils can perform their best in and outside the classroom. Our Wellbeing Team is on hand to support pupils with a range of services including:
• One-to-One Support: Personalised sessions for pupils who need individual guidance or support.
• Group Work: Collaborative sessions that build social skills, resilience, and peer support.
• Check-Ins: Regular check-ins to monitor pupils’ emotional wellbeing and address any concerns early on.
We are proud to provide an Academy environment that not only focuses on academic achievement but also on the personal growth and emotional wellbeing of each and every pupil. By offering both academic and emotional support, we help our pupils develop into confident, well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead.
Beyond the classroom, our pupils embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring their passions and finding meaning in their spiritual lives through a variety of enriching experiences.
ENRICHMENT
ENRICHMENT AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
We believe that education is about much more than the learning taking place within the classroom.
Further enrichment opportunities are on offer outside of lesson time and pupils at the Academy have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of extended learning opportunities. These range from regular offsite trips to the theatre, field trips and forest walks through to sports tours, ski trips and visits to France to support language learning.
Our after-school clubs provide more frequent opportunities for pupils to develop skills and interests, make new friends and have fun. With a huge variety of clubs to choose from, pupils can take part in activities such as choir, dance, or chess. There are plenty of opportunities for pupils to explore new interests or find a hobby or activity they are passionate about.
The enrichment and extra-curricular activities are a fundamental part of The John Wallis Church of England Academy curriculum. We are committed to providing every student with opportunities that will expand their horizons and give them a broad range of experiences they will never forget.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND
INCLUSION
Our
Christian ethos and LIGHT values are central to everything we aim to achieve within the Academy.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion ensures that all our learners can thrive and reach their full potential.
By raising awareness and examining all areas of diversity and inclusion, we work relentlessly towards eliminating discrimination, and promoting equity to allow equality of opportunity for each and every member of our community. We are preparing our children and young people to become global citizens and to appreciate and celebrate the diverse society in which we live. We are committed to having a supportive staff team that is reflective of our wider community. This ensures we have a staff team which reflects the diversity of our learners. Talent is not bound by race, class, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. We are committed to allowing the talent within our Academy to be unlimited by prejudice with equality and equity being a thread that runs through everything we do.
DIVERSITY
Recognising, respecting and valuing the differences in our pupils and community.
EQUITY
Providing the scaffolding, experiences and support in order to achieve equality of outcomes for all of our pupils.
INCLUSION
Providing belonging: respecting and valuing our pupils for who they are and providing a level of support and commitment so that all can achieve their best.
“ We believe that an inclusive education is one in which the academic expectations are not lowered for children with SEND, but where they are given the support they need to achieve.”
“ A staff team which is reflective of our learners.”
INCLUSION
“ The difference between equity and equality is that equality is everyone getting the same thing and equity is when everyone gets the things they need and deserve.”
DeRay Mckesson
Pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and/or Additional Needs
We believe that all children should be equally valued in the Academy regardless of their needs or approach to learning.
We strive to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and to develop an environment where all children can flourish and feel safe.
This does not mean that we treat all learners in the same way, but that we respond to learners in ways which take account of their varied life experiences and needs.
High quality teaching and differentiating for individual pupils, is the first step in responding to pupils who have or may have SEN. The Academy regularly and carefully reviews the quality of teaching for all pupils. We have a robust system of incremental coaching which continuously challenges and improves our teachers’ capacity to meet the needs of every child in the class regardless of the level or individual needs. This includes reviewing and, where necessary, improving, teachers’ understanding of strategies to identify and support vulnerable pupils, and their knowledge of the ‘SENs’ most frequently encountered (SEN Code of Practice, 2015, 6.37).
YONDR POUCH THE
The John Wallis Church of England Academy has taken a proactive step to combat the growing issue of mobile phone distractions in the classroom by implementing Yondr pouches: a phone-locking system that securely stores phones during Academy hours.
Tom Bennett, DfE Lead Behaviour Advisor, is supportive of the approach taken by the Academy stating;
“Banning mobile phones is one of the best things Academies can do to improve the behaviour culture for everyone. Children become safer, develop more social skills, and learn better.”
Studies have shown that excessive mobile phone use can negatively impact academic performance, attention spans, and mental health. By minimizing distractions, having mobile phones securely stored away can help pupils:
• Enhance Focus: Without the constant temptation of social media notifications and other distractions, pupils can devote their full attention to their studies, leading to better comprehension and retention of information.
• Improve Engagement: Freed from the allure of their phones, pupils can actively participate in classroom discussions, collaborate with their peers, and develop a deeper understanding of the material being taught.
At The John Wallis Church of England Academy, all pupils from Year 7 - 11 are expected to have a Yondr pouch as part of the uniform with them every day. The pouches can be purchased through the Academy.
FUTURE PREPARATION FOR THE
Choose your pathway at JW6.
Our Academy Sixth Form is a stepping stone to a successful future. We offer comprehensive career guidance, University support, and opportunities to gain real-world experience through industry placements and internships.
Last year 94% of our students were successful in attaining a place at their first choice of University, while others successfully entered competitive apprenticeships or the world of work.
Build your future by choosing us for your Sixth Form education, by choosing to be part of a dynamic, inspiring, ambitious and forward-thinking community.
We welcome all who are motivated to succeed, excited to explore new opportunities, and ready to contribute to the vibrant life of our Sixth Form.
Let us help you reach your full potential and take the next step towards a bright and successful future.
